Friday, March 27, 2009

The Way

"Jesus told him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me." — John 14:6

Many people are put off by the exclusivist of Christianity. They are angered that Jesus is the only way. God sent His only Son to die the death of a criminal. The Son took all the sins of the world upon Him as he died on the cross. God the father, dearly loved this only son. If there had been another way, would God not have chosen that way. We cannot diminish the sacrifice of God’s Son, Jesus. His sacrifice was for us. His sacrifice was the only way. Salvation is through Jesus alone. "No one can come to the Father except through [Jesus.]"

I am reminded of a story told by J. Vernon McGee. He spoke of his love for school at an early age. He quickly learned to read. Math was another subject he enjoyed. He learned that 2 + 2 = 4. This was one simple law of math. The teacher would accept no other answer for the question. 2 + 2 always equals four. The teacher would not accept 3.99. 4.01 was not acceptable. The answer for 2 + 2 was always four and only four. As he grew older, the answer did not change. The answer for 2 +2 was the only answer accepted. When he balanced his checkbook, the bank only accepted this answer. When he filed his income tax, the IRS only accepted 2 + 2 = 4. There is no exception. The exclusive answer to 2 + 2 is 4. It is true, 2 + 2 = 4 and only 4. It is the truth and it is exclusive.

The truth is exclusive. If it is the truth, if it is a fact – there is one exclusive answer. Jesus is THE answer. He is THE way, THE truth and THE life. No one go to the Father except through Jesus. There is nothing wrong with being exclusive. The way to God is a fact. It is an absolute. Believe it, it’s true. You wouldn’t want it any other way. Jesus is not A way but the true and ONLY way. We cannot be ashamed, or surprised, by the exclusiveness of this truth. We cannot afford to allow ourselves to believe differently. We cannot risk letting our friends and family believing anything short of this truth. We must boldly proclaim this fact – this truth, Jesus is the only way to the father. Just as 4 is the exclusive answer for 2 + 2, Jesus proclaimed himelf as the only way to the Father and eternal life.

If you have not accepted Jesus as the Way, the Truth, and the Life, why not do so now. Enjoy your first breath as a new creation. Take your first joyful breath in eternal life in Jesus.